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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Sulforaphane wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mixed evidence
4 of 12 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
6 of 7 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
150-300mcg for maintenance; higher only if deficient under supervision
Any time with food
Potassium iodide (most common and studied)
10-50mg sulforaphane (or equivalent from broccoli sprout extract)
With meals, Morning preferred
Stabilized sulforaphane (Prostaphane, Avmacol) or broccoli sprout extract with myrosinase
4-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
2-4 weeks
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
Maternal Iodine Status and Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis · n=42269
Birth weight was similar between UIC ≥ 150 μg/L and <150 μg/L (difference = 30 g, 95% CI −22 to 83, p = 0.3, n = 13, I2 = 89%) with no evidence of linear trend (4 g per 50 μg/L, −3 to 10, p = 0.2, n = 12, I2 = 80%).
Iodine fortification of foods and condiments, other than salt, for preventing iodine deficiency disorders
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2019) · Meta analysis · n=4317
This is equivalent to an increase of 38.32 µg/L (95% CI 24.03 to 52.61 µg/L).
Systematic review and meta-analysis of iodine nutrition in modern vegan and vegetarian diets
The British journal of nutrition (2023) · Meta analysis · n=4421
Vegan diets had the poorest iodine intake (17·3 µg/d) and were strongly associated with lower iodine intake (P = < 0·001) compared with omnivorous diets.
Broccoli Consumption and Risk of Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis · n=31292
In summary, the findings indicate that individuals suffering from some type of cancer consumed less broccoli, suggesting a protective biological effect of broccoli on cancer.
Do Brassica Vegetables Affect Thyroid Function?-A Comprehensive Systematic Review
International journal of molecular sciences (2024) · Systematic review
We analyzed the results of 123 articles of in vitro, animal, and human studies, describing the impact of brassica plants and extracts on thyroid mass and histology, blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, and the effect on thyroid cancer cells.
Potential Effects of Bioactive Compounds of Plant-Based Foods and Medicinal Plants in Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis: A Systematic Review
Nutrients (2024) · Systematic review
Systematic review examining Sulforaphane efficacy
Based on meta-analyses showing urinary iodine concentration increases with supplementation. Effects only meaningful in iodine-deficient populations. Excessive intake (>300mcg) may increase thyroid cancer risk. Most studies used potassium iodide; kelp-derived forms have variable bioavailability.
Based on meta-analyses showing significant improvements in Social Responsiveness Scale and irritability/hyperactivity scores. Effects were modest and required 4-10 weeks of supplementation. Limited to autism populations only.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Sulforaphane has a higher evidence score (5.5/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For estrogen & progesterone balance, Iodine has a higher relevance score (70 vs 60).
No known interactions between Iodine and Sulforaphane have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.